Welcome to Iowa Public Television! If you are seeing this message, you are using a browser that does not support web standards. This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device. Read more on our technical tips page.

This show aired...

Series Description: Host Scott Phillips, an American woodworking master, shares time-honored tips and new techniques in the construction of projects you can do at home. From an Annie Oakley Dry Sink to a Chippendale High Boy, Scott guides you through the process of building tables, chairs, benches, medicine cabinets, cupboards, plant and candle stands, serving spoons, salad bowls and a storage chest . A master woodworker with a personable style thorough knowledge of his craft, Phillips's reverence for the intricacies of wood and its possibilities has helped make AMERICAN WOODSHOP a favorite among ptv audiences.

Visit with Tom Adams, a historic barn renovator, to understand post and beam joinery and discuss tools of the trade then watch Scott put the lessons to use. First he makes a gardener's classic, a perfect curved back swinging bench that's both comfortable and durable. Crafted from white oak, it's designed to withstand the elements. Then he uses post and beam techniques to make a red cedar pergola to support the swing. [26 minutes]

Finishing expert and author Bob Flexner shows how to refinish a beautiful cabinet dating to the 1850's, then details how to repair common damage on antiques. Scott restores a masterpiece by bringing a Victorian chair back to life. Nancy and Robert Rhodes discuss upholstery design and antique chair restoration tips. [26 minutes]

Designed and crafted with utmost care, this classic box can serve either as a cigar keep or a jewelry box. Pat Spielman once again returns to share his invaluable insights on mastering wood joining techniques. Scott uses special cove and pin joints are used to allow the wood to move with the weather and maintain a controlled internal humidity. [26 minutes]

Scott explores the art of steam bent wood with woodworking author Nick Engler, then examines successful bending techniques in Nick's studio. Back at the woodshop, Scott sculpts a free-form contemporary chair that is both comfortable and appealing. He uses laminate bending and gluing to simplify the creation of beautiful curved wood forms. [26 minutes]

Shaker-style simplicity makes this tiger maple table with a central drawer a masterpiece. Before building it Scott visits historian George Reid to discuss classic table designs and wood inlay techniques. As the job progresses, woodworker Jim McCann demonstrates woodworking jigs that make woodworking easier and more enjoyable. [26 minutes]

Perfectly suited to double as an antique or modern entertainment center, this two-door cabinet is a stylish interpretation of an 1850' s southern cabinet. Journey back in time to see how our forbears used the historic pit saw to produce lumber. As Scott builds the country cabinet, he suggests simplified ways to set up your own home woodshop. [26 minutes]

Scott uses quarter-cut white oak to accent this functional hall tree, which can double as a seat or chest, yet is narrow enough to fit comfortably in a hallway. Visit a band saw mill set up to conserve and precisely mill specialty woods to very thin proportions. [26 minutes]

Scott explores a fascinating array of new interlocking puzzles that are all remarkably easy to create. He visits Tom Lensch, world-renowned puzzle designer, to discover crafting techniques. Later he makes turned wooden darts to add a personal touch to a spirited tournament. Finally he shows how to make designer writing pens using simple shop tools. [26 minutes]

Scott makes free-standing shelves, joined together with sliding dovetails to add order and elegance to any desk top. In a forest visit with scientist Chad Kister, Scott explores the world's only know virgin Eastern deciduous mixed mesophytic woods. This project serves to accent this seasonOs finale the miniature roll top desk. [26 minutes]

Scott makes a family heirloom a desk for generations to cherish. The classic sliding tambour top makes this design both functional and beautiful. A router workshop simplifies the technique of using time saving tools and guides. Woodworking author Nick Engler demonstrates woodworking templates. [26 minutes]

In season VII of The American Woodshop, host Scott Phillips travels across the United States to see the finest furniture ever designed. He discovers the world of forgery and fraud in the country's finest museums, and journeys to leading woodshops to uncover the hidden beauty of well-designed masterpieces. Episodes include Magic Boxes, hippendale Tall-Case Clock, Granite-Topped Victorian Parlor Table, Coffee Tree Inlay Coffee Table and many others. [26 minutes]

In season VII of The American Woodshop, host Scott Phillips travels across the United States to see the finest furniture ever designed. He discovers the world of forgery and fraud in the country's finest museums, and journeys to leading woodshops to uncover the hidden beauty of well-designed masterpieces. Episodes include Magic Boxes, hippendale Tall-Case Clock, Granite-Topped Victorian Parlor Table, Coffee Tree Inlay Coffee Table and many others. [26 minutes]

In season VII of The American Woodshop, host Scott Phillips travels across the United States to see the finest furniture ever designed. He discovers the world of forgery and fraud in the country's finest museums, and journeys to leading woodshops to uncover the hidden beauty of well-designed masterpieces. Episodes include Magic Boxes, hippendale Tall-Case Clock, Granite-Topped Victorian Parlor Table, Coffee Tree Inlay Coffee Table and many others. [26 minutes]

In season VII of The American Woodshop, host Scott Phillips travels across the United States to see the finest furniture ever designed. He discovers the world of forgery and fraud in the country's finest museums, and journeys to leading woodshops to uncover the hidden beauty of well-designed masterpieces. Episodes include Magic Boxes, hippendale Tall-Case Clock, Granite-Topped Victorian Parlor Table, Coffee Tree Inlay Coffee Table and many others. [26 minutes]

In season VII of The American Woodshop, host Scott Phillips travels across the United States to see the finest furniture ever designed. He discovers the world of forgery and fraud in the country's finest museums, and journeys to leading woodshops to uncover the hidden beauty of well-designed masterpieces. Episodes include Magic Boxes, hippendale Tall-Case Clock, Granite-Topped Victorian Parlor Table, Coffee Tree Inlay Coffee Table and many others. [26 minutes]

In season VII of The American Woodshop, host Scott Phillips travels across the United States to see the finest furniture ever designed. He discovers the world of forgery and fraud in the country's finest museums, and journeys to leading woodshops to uncover the hidden beauty of well-designed masterpieces. Episodes include Magic Boxes, hippendale Tall-Case Clock, Granite-Topped Victorian Parlor Table, Coffee Tree Inlay Coffee Table and many others. [26 minutes]

In season VII of The American Woodshop, host Scott Phillips travels across the United States to see the finest furniture ever designed. He discovers the world of forgery and fraud in the country's finest museums, and journeys to leading woodshops to uncover the hidden beauty of well-designed masterpieces. Episodes include Magic Boxes, hippendale Tall-Case Clock, Granite-Topped Victorian Parlor Table, Coffee Tree Inlay Coffee Table and many others. [26 minutes]

In season VII of The American Woodshop, host Scott Phillips travels across the United States to see the finest furniture ever designed. He discovers the world of forgery and fraud in the country's finest museums, and journeys to leading woodshops to uncover the hidden beauty of well-designed masterpieces. Episodes include Magic Boxes, hippendale Tall-Case Clock, Granite-Topped Victorian Parlor Table, Coffee Tree Inlay Coffee Table and many others. [26 minutes]

In season VII of The American Woodshop, host Scott Phillips travels across the United States to see the finest furniture ever designed. He discovers the world of forgery and fraud in the country's finest museums, and journeys to leading woodshops to uncover the hidden beauty of well-designed masterpieces. Episodes include Magic Boxes, hippendale Tall-Case Clock, Granite-Topped Victorian Parlor Table, Coffee Tree Inlay Coffee Table and many others. [26 minutes]

In season VII of The American Woodshop, host Scott Phillips travels across the United States to see the finest furniture ever designed. He discovers the world of forgery and fraud in the country's finest museums, and journeys to leading woodshops to uncover the hidden beauty of well-designed masterpieces. Episodes include Magic Boxes, hippendale Tall-Case Clock, Granite-Topped Victorian Parlor Table, Coffee Tree Inlay Coffee Table and many others. [26 minutes]

In season VII of The American Woodshop, host Scott Phillips travels across the United States to see the finest furniture ever designed. He discovers the world of forgery and fraud in the country's finest museums, and journeys to leading woodshops to uncover the hidden beauty of well-designed masterpieces. Episodes include Magic Boxes, hippendale Tall-Case Clock, Granite-Topped Victorian Parlor Table, Coffee Tree Inlay Coffee Table and many others. [26 minutes]

In season VII of The American Woodshop, host Scott Phillips travels across the United States to see the finest furniture ever designed. He discovers the world of forgery and fraud in the country's finest museums, and journeys to leading woodshops to uncover the hidden beauty of well-designed masterpieces. Episodes include Magic Boxes, hippendale Tall-Case Clock, Granite-Topped Victorian Parlor Table, Coffee Tree Inlay Coffee Table and many others. [26 minutes]

In season VII of The American Woodshop, host Scott Phillips travels across the United States to see the finest furniture ever designed. He discovers the world of forgery and fraud in the country's finest museums, and journeys to leading woodshops to uncover the hidden beauty of well-designed masterpieces. Episodes include Magic Boxes, hippendale Tall-Case Clock, Granite-Topped Victorian Parlor Table, Coffee Tree Inlay Coffee Table and many others. [26 minutes]

To begin his eighth season, Scott Phillips shows viewers just how easy it is to create an outdoor classic. The Adirondack Chair, a New England staple, is a tribute to the beauty, comfort, and convenience of simple design. And as Scott demonstrates, it can be built in only three hours using basic tools. Scott crafts this folding outdoor chair in durable cypress. In a visit to the USDA's Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin, we learn what woods work best in outdoor projects. [26 minutes]

Suzy Phillips returns to share her scroll-saw tips as she makes a striking holiday centerpiece. This stand for a small Christmas tree features a rotating platform on top of a music-box base. The base is an example of turned art -- wood pieces created on a turning metal plate -- and to prepare viewers for making it, Scott teaches a detailed turning workshop. Chicago scroll-saw master Roy King illustrates how intarsia, the art of decorating a surface with inlaid wooden patterns, can transform a basic gift box into a memorable keepsake, and we visit West Virginia to see how hand-blown glass is joined to wood to form graceful goblets. [26 minutes]

This project will become a cherished family treasure. An update of a traditional pattern, the Heirloom Cradle swings freely on a wooden base and features 11 carved spindles on either side. Scott shares tips for duplicating the spindles on the lathe. David Calvo, the house carver for Harvard University, illustrates relief carving. [26 minutes]

Chess boards are a favorite of home woodworkers, and in this episode Scott shows why. Back at the Woodshop, carvers Don Worley, Juanita Early, and Lenard Watts sculpt a holiday chess set, with Santa and his wife as the king and queen, elves as bishops, reindeer as knights, and snowmen as pawns. Scott creates a box to hold the pieces, and a board on which to display them. Travel to Columbus, Ohio, to marvel at the "Full Moon Saloon," a renowned theme carving created by 21 woodcarving artists, and to be introduced to the world of caricature carving by master carver Bruce Henn. [26 minutes]

Return to the USDA Forest Products Laboratories in Wisconsin and learn the secrets of taking caring for wooden projects exposed to the elements. Special marine sun-durable finishes are tested and reviewed. Discover what happens to treated, untreated, stained, and preserved wood in the outdoors, then put that knowledge to use in restoring an exterior door. A visit to a collection of vintage wooden boats touches on the romance of aged wood. Scott also demonstrates how the perfect interlocking garden rose trellis can be made in as few as 60 minutes. [26 minutes]

In this show, learn how accent mirrors can bring life to rooms by opening them up to reflected light, and also learn how the right molding can highlight mirrors. An arched mirror is made in Scott's shop, using hand-planed trim. Woodworking author Mario Rodriguez reveals how to use jigs to create perfect mitered joints on picture frames. [26 minutes]

This Shaker-inspired design, created for comfort yet tall enough to be used at workbenches, brings pleasure and warmth to anyone's shop. Tour Scott's two home workshops to discover the proper way to place tools, set up dust collection, and store lumber. [26 minutes]

For his 100th show, Scott creates a tool cabinet that displays the enduring beauty of hand tools. Though specially designed to hold the top ten hand tools in any shop, its glass front doors make it an ideal cabinet for many uses. A visit to the Lie-Nielsen Toolworks in Maine reveals how the bedrock plane, one of the finest hand tools ever made, is being revived in a phenomenal new version cast in bronze. [26 minutes]

Only basic tools are needed to make this classic wall shelf, which is crafted in tiger and bird's-eye maple. As the drawers that nest beneath the shelf are joined together, hand-cut dovetails are explained. Peter Korn of The Center for Furniture Craftsmanship shares sharpening techniques required to tune up a dovetail saw. [26 minutes]

John Walter of The Old Tool Shop in Marietta, Ohio, is one of the nation's most acclaimed tool collectors and dealers, and in this show he explains the appeal of antique tools and how to appraise them. We learn the traditional uses of many hand tools, and Scott creates a graceful Pembroke table from ribbon mahogany. [26 minutes]

This ancient toy dates back to Roman times, when children and adults engaged in marble races, placing their marbles in the tower's top and seeing how long it took to reach the bottom. Ohio woodworker Jim Faulconer's variation of the stacking tower is a four-foot, Rube Goldbergish device with a series of bowls, ramps, and channels that guide marbles through an amazing array of obstacles. A trip to " Artistry in Wood," one of the nation's top five woodworking shows, unveils a fabulous collection of other wooden toys. [26 minutes]

Woodworking historian George Reid reveals the inner workings of two classic miniature highboys. Then we're off to tour the Boston Museum of Fine Art and discover one of the world's best collections of fine furniture. Curator Jerry Ward explains the keys to identifying period pieces, and displays five chests worth more than $100 million. Back in the Woodshop, a buffet is made using tools and techniques that simplify the art of fine woodworking. [26 minutes]

The season premier transforms a solid block of flame walnut into a miniature masterpiece, enhanced by relief carving accents to ball and claw legs. Visit the Marc Adams School of Woodworking for everyday woodworking tips. Band saw tune-up techniques are demonstrated and the profile sander is featured as a hot new tool. [26 minutes]

Visit the new recently opened wood shop of internationally renowned artist Sam Maloof. See how his chairs, which grace homes around the world, are sculpted using both power and hand tools. Modern glues are discussed in depth as an easy five-part foot stool is made. Drill press tune-up techniques are demonstrated and the drum sander is highlighted as a new woodworking tool. [26 minutes]

The perfect accent to any room, solid wood walnut shelves are created as a one-day project using new cordless drills. Marc Adams School of Woodworking offers guidelines for selecting the right adjustable shelf supports for great bookcases. Carving and inlaying lettered monograms in wood is showcased from the Boise, Idaho Woodcarving Show. Router tune-up techniques are demonstrated and the oscillating spindle sander is the featured cool tool. [26 minutes]

Also known as a deacon's bench, create a Shaker-style bench from bald cypress and ribbon mahogany that truly fits your body. The spindles are turned with the help of master woodworker Ernie Conover, who covers the basics of modern sharpening techniques. Discover the key to a lasting outdoor finish. Radial drill press tune-up techniques are demonstrated and the latest in jig saws is unveiled. [26 minutes]

Journey to the workshop of Popular Woodworking's David Thiel to create an elegant yet practical computer desk of solid 2 inch rich mahogany based on Frank Lloyd Wright's straight line design. Shelves offer maximum utility while ingeniously suspended to blend with the desk. New keyboard holders add comfort and style to work areas. Tune up your plunge router and learn about new cordless drills and tri scribes. [26 minutes]

Both hand and power tools are used by West Virginia artisan Wes Riggs to create American versions of classic Windsor chairs that are often used at White House special functions. A unique router jig creates a comfortable saddle-scalloped seat. An in-depth comparison of routers is given. Router jigs are tuned up and hand shaves are showcased as a new cool tool. [26 minutes]

Learn how to preserve the value of antique furniture and identify museum-quality antiques of the 1700s, 1800s and 1900s with finish artist Jeff Jewitt. Get the inside scoop on finishing tricks that the old-world masters wish they knew. See the basic tips for fixing damaged veneer, repairing split wood and restoring water-ringed finishes. Become familiar with pricing, authenticating and dating all types and ages of antique furniture. [26 minutes]

Enjoy the best family project ever! Utilizing bending wood lamination, this flexible wood sled is made of durable white oak, special bead-lock joints and polyurethane wood glue. This is a tough toy built to last. Discover the latest jigs that make sanding and assembly a breeze. Tune up your power tools and learn about the latest in modern clamps. [26 minutes]

A basement areas is remodeled a into a beautifully finished wine cellar. The walls, floors and ceiling are trimmed out with recycled wood, and a variety of finish nailers are used to detail an entire room. See how stained glass can accent a beautiful redwood wine rack. Visit one of the world's leading wine cellar designer, Jim Deckebach, for innovations in interior trim. Learn tips on maintaining compressors and pneumatic tools, tune up your nail guns and see the latest sliding compound miter saw. [26 minutes]

The ultimate home accents are wood floors and decorative wood trim. Master the trade secrets of finish carpenters by following the techniques of fine craftsmen on two different dream home locations that showcase superior finish carpentry skills. Share the excitement of the modern-day barn raising of the New American Woodshop studio. ~ [26 minutes]

Master classic furniture maker George Reid shares his insights into American furniture designs as he helps to create a miniature band saw chest. Both hand and power carving tools are used to create the rich details that distinguish this unique piece. Special gluing techniques show how to recycle mahogany to conserve this valuable wood, so prized by furniture makers. [26 minutes]

Journey to the majestic forest of the Northwest to find the quilted big leaf maple used for this unique piece. An easy, two-hour project, this storage bin is the ultimate desktop organizer, ideal for storing anything from computer disks to spices. To simplify crafting the sloping top, the design and making of taper jigs will be detailed. [26 minutes]

Straight from the Henry Ford Museum comes a unique American classic. Originally made in the 1850s, this post and board chest was used as a master's tool keep. Today it makes the perfect blanket, towel or tool chest. See how to turn the sculpted foot posts with Suzy Phillips. Gary Rogowski of the Northwest Woodworking Studio shows how to select the right type of joint for any piece of furniture. And the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts will also be featured. [26 minutes]

Join Scott Phillips and his friends as they help to build and update the ultimate woodshop. This will be the dream woodshop that has been inspired by a lifetime of woodworking. Setting up has never been more fun than with this modern-day barn raising! The program will cover the complete process, from forming the foundation to closing the shop in with specially designed brass windows. [26 minutes]

Build a boat in a weekend? That floats? Affordable, fun and easy to make, this is a great family project from Ron Hoogenakker in Madison, Wisconsin. All boat makers have their tricks, and this program will reveal the simple ways that make building your own canoe a breeze. Polyurethane glue, epoxies, special woods and the right techniques all add up to the perfect hand-made boat. Also check in on the latest progress of the new dream woodshop. [26 minutes]

Shaker-inspired design is the key to this elegant classic. Special seeded glass is used for an antique effect, and carefully selected mechanisms and dials complete the project. Learn about the differences between hand rubbed and modern spray gun finishing techniques. David Thiel of Popular Woodworking magazine covers the latest innovations in woodworking tools. [26 minutes]

These legendary artists combine their considerable skills, essentially using pieces of sawn wood to "paint" beautiful images. Their use of special scroll saws and profiling tools will be highlighted. Suzy Phillips shares her scrolling secrets as she makes an intriguing wood sculpture. [26 minutes]

Thirty years of excellence in woodcarving have made Joe Leonard a leader in his art. Visit his workshop in Cleveland, Ohio, to share his experience and masterful techniques. Learn from Wayne Barton how relief carving can create beautiful family crests, and also see old world signs made using the latest inventions in woodworking. [26 minutes]

Over the years Warren May has perfected the art of building the traditional four-string lap dulcimer. Beautiful both to see and hear, these are easy to make and to play. Also featured are unique violins shown by curator Henry Prebys of The Henry Ford Museum. Shop techniques will reveal how to produce the thin wood needed for perfect tone. [26 minutes]

This home improvement project is the right addition to many garages and shops. Carefully selected water-resistant woods and glues are reviewed, and you'll see how copper flashing and accents combine for a distinctive look. Travel to Princeton, West Virginia to see the eye-opening Wood Magic Science Fair. [26 minutes]

Amazing natural edged bowls with "sneaky feet" are in the spotlight when Rodger Jacobs of North Carolina teaches at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Rodger has perfected a new look for turned bowls by sculpting bottom supports that create the illusion of movement. Wild wood from Oregon will also be highlighted. [26 minutes]

Attend the opening of the new furniture gallery at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan with curator Henry Prebys. A brief tour highlights famous furniture from the time of Washington to that of Lincoln. In keeping with the historical perspective, see how centuries-old wood is recycled to make the ultimate country-style cabinet. And celebrate completion of the new dream woodshop at its open house. [26 minutes]